Residents press city officials for faster tree and debris removal after storms

Multiple residents told the board that large branches and piles of debris left after recent storms are blocking sidewalks and forcing strollers and pedestrians into the street. Phil, a resident manager at Wild Gardens, said the debris made sidewalks impassable and posed a fire hazard: "...all the leaves are dead... it's a real safety hazard."

Gene Abano, director and chief engineer for the Department of Facility Maintenance, said the city has "exhausted our resources including contractors" and that debris removal is led by DPR with DFM support. Abano explained that wider use of private contractors is constrained unless a federal emergency is declared, but he said the Complete Streets program will study prioritized walkways such as No'ilani Street pending funding. Board members asked DFM to coordinate with parks and DTS and to follow up on specific locations submitted with photos.